2007 BMW 320 vs. 1990 BMW M3
To start off, 2007 BMW 320 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,467 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2007 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 320 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1990 BMW M3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2007 BMW 320 (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3. 2007 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 320 | 1990 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 87 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.6 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
